“The HRCZ notes that although economic, social and cultural rights are not included in their Bill of Rights, in practice the Commission engages in various activities related with the protection of those rights. The Commission has been involved in the legislative reforms of the Children Act which includes provisions on economic social and cultural rights. The HRCZ has also engaged in projects on business and human rights, and receives complaints relating to economic, social and cultural rights, such as the right to housing.

An NHRI’s mandate should be interpreted in a broad, liberal and purposive manner to promote a progressive definition of human rights which includes all rights set out in international, regional and domestic instruments, including economic, social and cultural rights.

The SCA acknowledges the efforts made by the HRCZ in addressing economic, social and cultural rights issues, and encourages it to enhance the work done in this area, as well as in the protection of rights of specific groups, such as LGBTIQ+.

The SCA refers to Paris Principles A.1 and A.2, and to its General Observation 1.2 on ‘Human rights mandate’.”